Book Review: A World I Never Made by James LePore

A World I Never Made
Author: James LePore
Publication: Story Plant, The (March 24, 2009)


Description: Pat Nolan, an American man, is summoned to Paris to claim the body of his estranged daughter Megan, who has committed suicide. The body, however, is not Megan's and it becomes instantly clear to Pat that Megan staged this, that she is in serious trouble, and that she is calling to him for help.

This sends Pat on an odyssey that stretches across France and into the Czech Republic and that makes him the target of both the French police and a band of international terrorists. Joining Pat on his search is Catherine Laurence, a beautiful but tormented Paris detective who sees in Pat something she never thought she'd find--genuine passion and desperate need. As they look for Megan, they come closer to each other's souls and discover love when both had long given up on it.

Juxtaposed against this story is Megan's story. A freelance journalist, Megan is in Morocco to do research when she meets Abdel Lahani, a Saudi businessman. They begin a torrid affair, a game Megan has played often and well in her adult life. But what she discovers about Lahani puts her in the center of a different kind of game, one with rules she can barely comprehend. Because of her relationship with Lahani, Megan has made some considerable enemies. And she has put the lives of many--maybe even millions--at risk.

A World I Never Made is an atmospheric novel of suspense with brilliantly drawn characters and back-stories as compelling as the plot itself. It is the kind of novel that resonates deeply and leaves its traces long after you turn the final page.



My Thoughts: This was a well-written thriller with lots of action. Pat comes to France to identify his daughter's body and finds himself in a chase throughout Europe to find her instead. He is not the only one in pursuit. Megan is running from Arab terrorists and the combined intelligence community. 


The book combines both Megan's story and Pat's. Megan had been wandering around Europe writing a few magazine articles and having affairs with men until 9/11. Then she began doing research on terrorism especially in the Muslim communities in Europe. She travels to Morocco and meets a man. Turns out he is more than the rich Saudi businessman Megan thought he was. She becomes pregnant with his child and has to escape him and his minions to protect her unborn child.


Pat follows Megan's path as she runs across Europe under the protection of gypsies. He gradually learns more about the lost years of her life. He also comes to some resolution about his own past when he meets Catherine Laurence who is with the Paris police. Both are feeling guilty for previous failed relationships but they find kindred souls in each other.


I recommend this book to lovers of thrillers. It was well done and engaging. 


Favorite Quote:

As he drank and listened to Catherine's regular breathing, more questions without answers came to his mind. What had Megan done to lay down such a trail of blood to her door? And how could they possibly prevail against the host of vipers that were arrayed against them?